“For the first time ever, University of B.C. scientists have used human embryonic stem cell transplants to reverse Type 1 diabetes in mice with the disease, giving hope to about 300 million people around the world who suffer from the chronic disease.

The study by a 13-member team, lead by LSI Researcher, Tim Kieffer, is published in the journal Diabetes, shows that after transplantation, the stem cells matured into insulin-secreting, pancreatic beta-cells. The cells automatically sensed blood sugar levels to release the right amount of insulin and a few dozen diabetic mice were gradually weaned off insulin given to them over a period of months.” Vancouver Sun, June 27, 2012

Image on the left shows stem cell derived insulin containing cells (red) and glucagon expressing cells (green) with a nuclear stain (blue) after transplant and maturation, appearing very similar to insulin and glucagon producing cells found in human pancreas (right image).

The new UBC Diabetes Research Group conducts world-class multi-disciplinary research aimed at understanding the underlying causes of diabetes and ultimately finding a cure.
Gifts from friends, alumni and other community members enable the University of British Columbia to carry out many outstanding research projects